Affordable and Universal Homes For Independence/Ability
II

The Center for Universal Design conducted a two-year
design and construction program with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to
help Habitat produce affordable, universally designed homes. In this project,
the Center reviewed and, in consultation with three local Habitat affiliates
(Chatham, Orange, and Johnston counties) and consumers, revised their standard
house plans; converting the plans to ones that can accommodate households with
a disabled family member without sacrificing cost or appearance. The project
demonstrated that Habitat could produce universal homes with the added potential
of promoting these new design standards to Habitat affiliates statewide and
beyond.
Affordable and Universal Homes: A Plan Book
This book, designed to be used by Habitat for Humanity affiliates and other
affordable housing providers, illustrates affordable and universal homes. Individuals
and families interested in affordable housing design will also find this publication
useful. The Plan Book is a result of a two-year design, product selection, and
construction program between the Center for Universal Design and local Habitat
for Humanity affiliates. In this project, the Center reviewed and, in consultation
with two local North Carolina Habitat affiliates and homeowners, revised their
standard house plans to include universal features without sacrificing cost
or appearance. The book features five plans, some of which have been adapted
from existing plans and some of which were newly created. Also included is a
brief introduction to universal design and an outline of the universal features
to consider. We hope that affordable housing advocates will adapt and use these
plans as they can. This book is available for purchase.